City Corner: Bootfest to end with a bang again this year

Will the fireworks being launched from One O'Connor Plaza during Bootfest on Oct. 5 cause any safety issues for homes and businesses in the downtown area?

Bootfest will conclude with a bang on the evening of Oct. 5 with a spectacular pyrotechnic fireworks display launched from the top of One O'Connor Plaza. The fireworks show is sponsored by Klean Corp. International and Robby and Tami Burge, with a special thanks to One O'Connor Plaza for providing the building's rooftop as a launch pad for the fireworks show.

The fireworks spectacular is planned with safety in mind. ProFx Inc. is back to coordinate the fireworks show. The types of fireworks being used this year were used last year.

All pyrotechnics being used are specially designed for close proximity effects, and the fallout is much safer. The fallout will consist of paper pieces, paper/cardboard caps 2-inches or less in diameter and some cardboard cylinders. The fallout from the fireworks has no environmental impact and does not contain hazardous chemicals. The crew who will be on site is state licensed in pyrotechnics and highly qualified with more than 95 years of combined experience.

The Victoria fire and police departments will also be on site to provide additional safety and security. ProFx Inc. has coordinated hundreds and hundreds of shows over the past 20 years without any incidents and is the first pyrotechnic company to ever receive a Citation of Merit Award from the city of Houston for safety and precision in the pyrotechnic industry.

For more questions, concerns or more information about Bootfest, please call 361-485-3116.

How will downtown businesses be affected by the street closures during Bootfest? Where can those planning to attend the festival park?

The city of Victoria will block several streets downtown on Oct. 3 in preparation for the third annual Bootfest. Forrest Street at Main and Bridge streets will be closed at 6 a.m. Beginning at 10 p.m. Thursday, city crews will place barricades at the following streets:• Main Street from Goodwin Avenue to Santa Rosa Street. Parking garage entrance will remain open and left (east) turn only permitted onto Goodwin Avenue.

• Bridge Street from Goodwin Avenue to Santa Rosa Street.

• Glass Street from Goodwin Avenue to Constitution Street.

• Goodwin Avenue from Glass Street to Liberty Street.

• Forrest Street from Moody Street to Liberty Street.

• Constitution Street from Moody Street to Liberty Street.

The streets will remain blocked throughout the day Oct. 4 and Oct. 5. Any downtown business expecting scheduled deliveries Oct. 3 or Oct. 4 should contact the City of Victoria Communications Office at 361-485-3110 no later than Oct. 2 to ensure that deliveries can be planned for and accommodated during this period.

Parking downtown in the vicinity of the festival will be very limited. Festival attendees are encouraged to take advantage of a free park and ride shuttle service that will be available from 4:30 p.m. to midnight Oct. 4 and from 9:45 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Oct. 5. Those locations are the Dr. Pattie Dodson Public Health Center parking lot, 2805 N. Navarro St., and Riverside Stadium in Riverside Park, 405 Memorial Drive.

Can you tell me more about the classic car show that will be held at Bootfest?

Absolutely. Bootfest 2013 welcomes the inaugural Bootfest Car Show presented by Invista. Bring your classic rides to beautiful downtown Victoria on Oct. 5 and see if you take home a trophy and meet fellow car enthusiasts. Plus, the show will be located next to the Dos Equis Stage 2, so you will have top-notch live music nearby.

The car show starts with set-up from 8 to 10 a.m., and judging will be from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Awards will be presented at 4:30 p.m.

Awards will be given for best hot rod, best rat rod, best street rod, best original car, best restoration, best muscle car, best low rider and people's choice.

Space at the show is limited. Preregistration is encouraged and appreciated. Entry fee is $10 on or before Friday or $15 anytime after or on the day of the car show. You can register online at visitvictoriatexas.com by clicking on the Bootfest tab.

For more information, call 485-3116.

Do you have a question about the city of Victoria? Please submit your questions and comments about any city department to Jennifer Sourdellia in the Communications/Public Information Office by emailing jsourdellia@victoriatx.org or mailing to P.O. Box 1758, Victoria, TX 77902.